Experts predict robust harvest season amid good rains

Source: Experts predict robust harvest season amid good rains – herald

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

PRELIMINARY assessments indicate a highly promising agricultural season, with the potential for record-breaking harvests.

This comes as Government is set to complete the first round of the Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment for the 2025/2026 agricultural season this month.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, said he was optimistic about this season.

“Crop assessment is underway and results are pointing to good harvests. We have been receiving good rainfall across the country, leading to significant improvements in crops and livestock. The condition of crops is now adequate across all provinces and the livestock situation has vastly improved.”

Farmers have planted 1 885 833 hectares of maize, with notable contributions from various provinces: Mashonaland West has planted 354 627ha, Midlands 300 079ha, Manicaland 274 905ha, Mashonaland Central 273 043ha and Mashonaland East 249 490ha.

In addition, statistics from the Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) revealed that farmers in Mashonaland Central have planted 2 353ha of rapoko, 37 847ha of groundnuts, 5 359ha of sugarbeans, 10 674ha of African pea, 22 428ha of soyabean, 5 008ha of pearl millet, 2 365ha of sweet potato, 10 303ha of sunflower and 26 678ha of cotton.

Similarly, in Mashonaland West, farmers have cultivated 375ha of rapoko, 14 379ha of groundnuts, 4 708ha of sugarbeans, 2 697ha of roundnuts, 3 930ha of African pea, 29 158ha of soyabean, 5 045ha of pearl millet, 2 493ha of sweet potato, 4 540ha of sunflower and 7 870ha of cotton.

Furthermore, in Mashonaland East, farmers have planted 6 029ha of rapoko, 44 939ha of groundnuts, 4 432ha of soyabean, 4 672ha of roundnuts, 13 416ha of African pea, 2 125ha of soyabean, 2 847ha of pearl millet, 4 286ha of sweet potato, 5 128ha of sunflower and 1 930ha of cotton.

In the Midlands, farmers have cultivated 2 665ha of rapoko, 35 873ha of groundnuts, 722ha of sugarbean, 7 610ha of roundnuts, 7 433ha of African pea, 5 004ha of soyabean, 19 137ha of pearl millet, 2 303ha of sweet potatoes, 16 759ha of sunflower and 41 125ha of cotton.

Experts say crops are currently thriving across various growth stages, from early vegetative to tasseling stages, and an above-average harvest is anticipated due to the favourable rainfall patterns.

Surveys show that the majority of crops are in excellent condition, leading to high hopes for yields that exceed initial expectations. Livestock conditions similarly show significant improvement, attributed primarily to better pasture availability.

Experts encouraged farmers to be vigilant on pest scouting and adhere to regular weeding to support crop health.

While the general livestock condition is categorised as fair to good, the wet conditions present increased risks for tick-borne diseases such as Theileriosis.

The Meteorological Services Department has projected that Zimbabwe will receive above-normal rainfall this year, with rains expected to resume by the end of the week, further fueling expectations for increased agricultural productivity.

Government initiatives play a crucial role in supporting this positive trend. Programmes like the “tick grease blitz”, aimed at managing tick populations and pastoral development initiatives are being implemented to bolster the agricultural sector.

Efforts also focus on monitoring and controlling tick-borne diseases to ensure livestock health.

Chief director in the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya, underscored the critical importance of regular monitoring and control of tick populations to safeguard livestock health.

“Acaricide resistance monitoring has become increasingly crucial. This ongoing surveillance evaluates how different tick species resist specific dipping chemicals. Understanding the evolutionary patterns of ticks enables the Government to prevent dipping failures, ensuring that farmers can effectively manage and protect their herds.”

He added that while the current incidence of Theileriosis is relatively low and stable, vigilance remains paramount. Peak cases of the disease typically occur between February and March, making regular dipping schedules essential for managing risks associated with Theileriosis, whose symptoms include high fever, weakness and loss of appetite.

Despite the overall positive outlook, potential risks associated with heavy rainfall must be considered. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has raised alarm regarding rising national dam levels and increased river flows, warning of potential flooding in downstream areas.

Communities have been advised to adopt vigilant, proactive measures to safeguard their crops and livestock, with farmers encouraged to implement effective drainage systems and maintain awareness of flood risks.

With a set target of 1.8 million hectares for maize cultivation, reports indicate that the maize hectarage has already reached 1 885 833 hectares, surpassing the target by 5 percent.

Other crops, such as sorghum and pearl millet, have also seen impressive increases in planted acreage, reflecting a true commitment to food security.